Since 1984, W.O. Smith Music School has introduced the world of music to thousands of deserving children in Nashville.
Our Mission
W.O. Smith Music School makes affordable, quality music instruction available to children from low-income families. We transform lives through music.
quick facts
The school was founded in 1984 by William Oscar Smith
We serve children (aged 8-18) living in the Metropolitan Nashville area
Students must meet income guidelines for the USDA Free and Reduced Lunch Program
Classes and lessons are fifty cents each
Students are provided with an instrument of their choosing, a volunteer teaching artist, and any necessary musical materials for their studies
Volunteer teaching artists are community members, local performers, studio artists, and university students with a passion for sharing their musical gifts
“It’s not necessary to be on a music career track to benefit from focused practice sessions, setting and achieving goals, or presenting a personal achievement to the public. We believe that the self-discipline involved in the process can help any developing person, whether or not he or she goes on to pursue a career in music. Music was my ticket out of the ghetto, and my hope is that music can help the youngsters we touch to realize their own ambitions.”
